Raising Champions: The Williams Family Story

In the world of tennis, few names carry as much weight as Venus and Serena Williams, two of the greatest athletes of all time.

Behind their immense success lies a mother whose determination, unwavering belief, and guiding hand helped shape their journey—Oracene Price.

As the mother of five children, two of whom changed the landscape of sports forever, her story is one of resilience, love, and dedication. Together, Venus and Serena have won more than 1,600 matches, but how did it all begin?

The Early Years: A Foundation of Hard Work and Sacrifice

Oracene often reflects on the early days when she was balancing practices, homework, and family life. When asked how she managed it all, she humbly states, “I didn’t think about it, I just did it.”

From the start, she saw that Venus and Serena had big dreams, and she was determined to support them every step of the way. Despite the many doubters who said the girls wouldn’t make it, Oracene never wavered in her belief that they would succeed.

Venus and Serena, despite being only 15 months apart, had distinct personalities. Oracene recalls how Serena, often quiet in her younger years, eventually grew into a more assertive person, while Venus was the more outgoing and talkative sister.

Despite these differences, they shared an inseparable bond, and their unity played a key role in their success.

Making the Move: From Compton to Florida

The Williams family’s move from Compton to Florida was a turning point in the girls’ careers. Oracene explains that it wasn’t just about the tennis training; it was about securing better coaching and facilities in a safer environment.

Compton, while a place of pride for Oracene, had become too dangerous, and she wanted to ensure her daughters could train without fear of violence.

While the decision was tough, it was driven by the hope of providing the girls with the best opportunity to succeed in a competitive sport.

Oracene’s pragmatic approach to ensuring their safety while nurturing their athletic dreams showed the depth of her commitment as both a mother and a coach.

Coaching vs. Parenting: Finding the Right Balance

Oracene’s dual role as a coach and mother wasn’t without its challenges. She learned quickly that being firm, both on the court and at home, was crucial. “My yes means yes,” she says, emphasizing that her children knew she was serious when she set a rule.

However, when it came to the tennis court, she believed that her role as a coach was distinct from her role as a mother. “When you’re coaching, coach on the court, not at home,” she advises other parents with young athletes.

Her guidance to parents: “Let them be kids,” and trust in their natural abilities. Oracene strongly believes that if a child’s talent is authentic, it will shine through without interference.

She also encourages parents to support their children’s passion but never force it—allowing them the freedom to grow on their terms.

Mental Toughness: A Critical Aspect of the Game

Oracene emphasizes that while technique is essential, mental toughness is what separates the greats from the rest.

Watching her daughters play, she always pays close attention to their mindset. “You have to believe you can do it before you actually do it,” she says, noting that confidence is key.

But when things don’t go as planned, she learned over time that stepping back and letting her daughters process their emotions on their own was often the best course of action.

Despite the intense pressure they faced in high-stakes matches, Oracene kept a steady hand. She refrains from offering advice immediately after tough losses, understanding that players need space to reflect and heal before diving into analysis.

Giving Back: Beyond Tennis

As Serena and Venus’ platform grew, so did their desire to use their influence for greater good. Oracene is incredibly proud of how her daughters have transcended the sport of tennis, using their fame to advocate for causes they believe in and to help others.

She finds immense fulfillment in seeing how their actions have made a difference in the lives of many.

One example of this is Serena’s emotional open letter after the birth of her daughter, Alexis Olympia. Serena thanked her mother for teaching her the strength to face life’s challenges.

“I hope to teach my baby the same fortitude you have had,” Serena wrote. It was a touching moment, one that captured the deep bond between Oracene and her daughters.

Raising Strong Girls: The Williams Family Legacy

Throughout their journey, Oracene has always focused on instilling strong values in her children. She believes in teaching them to love and respect others, understanding that kindness is a mark of true strength.

As she advises, “It’s easy to be belligerent, but it’s much harder to be kind to someone who’s not kind to you.”

When asked about retirement, Oracene jokingly hints that Venus and Serena are not yet ready to hang up their rackets.

However, she’s confident in their ability to handle whatever comes next, whether in tennis or in life.

In a career that spanned decades, Oracene’s parenting and coaching have proven invaluable to the success of Venus and Serena Williams.

Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, love, and the unwavering belief that with hard work, anything is possible.

As a mother, coach, and role model, Oracene Price’s impact extends far beyond the tennis court—helping to shape two of the most iconic athletes the world has ever seen.